Sunday, June 30, 2002
Do I need insurance for my credit card?
Q. My credit card statements often come with offers to buy insurance in case my card is stolen, I become disabled or I lose my job. I typically charge more than $1,000 a month, and am wondering if the protection is worth paying a few extra dollars a month for.
Business notes
Katherine Griffith was named program manager at the PORT Group Homes for boys ages 12-18.
Second-quarter problems may linger into third quarter
NEW YORK -- The end of the second quarter was welcomed this past week by a Wall Street eager to forget the accounting scandals and earnings concerns that have plagued the market. But there is little reason to think the next three months will be much better.
Working overtime should mean extra pay
Q: I work for a small telecom consulting company as a full-time employee with salary and benefits. How can the company get away with making us work 10-to-12-hour days and weekends without overtime compensation? The company always says it makes up for it "in the bonus," but that really isn't the case at all. It's like a white-collar sweatshop. And the conditions we work in are terrible, with 18 to 20 people in one room and two of the four doors blocked. What do we do?
Medtronic to acquire disc replacement developer Spinal Dynamics
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Medtronic Inc. said Friday that it will acquire Spinal Dynamics Corp., the Seattle-based developer of an artificial cervical disc, for $269.5 million in cash and stock.
Of mutual interest
NEW YORK -- With Wall Street mired in a steep and protracted decline, it's hard to believe that the mood of mutual fund managers has improved, as a survey from Merrill Lynch & Co. indicates. But it has, and the reason why is a turnaround in overseas markets including Japan.
Decorating for the love of it
Penney Fasching-Beutz took an interest in decorating, used those skills in her work and then took the next step -- creating her own gift shop.
Machinery currently in process of removal from paper mill is part of original sale deal with Sappi Limited
Passers-by have noticed recent activity at the Potlatch mill in northeast Brainerd.
Consultant stresses that food safety is a business concern of vital consumer interest
Food safety issues can mean more than keeping the potato salad cold on a summer picnic.
Federal government starts ad campaign to try to teach kids to play
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal agency is spending at least $125 million to tell kids, nicely, to get outside and play.
Work vs. play
Work is a time-consuming affair, but it doesn't mean some people are devoting every waking hour to climbing up the next rung on the ladder of success.
Today's mobile kids
A recent survey finds that many American adults with wireless phone service think it's a good idea for most kids between 12 and 18 to have their own cell phones.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 216, a year ago 279.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle estimate: 250. Last Friday: 289. Year ago Friday: 311. Thursday actual: 512.
Accidents
MILACA -- A 36-year-old Zimmerman man was listed in critical condition Saturday at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale after hitting a deer while on his motorcycle Friday.
Agendas
Council Chambers
Therapy service goes to a new and different level
This is an idea that could have been dreamed up by the hyper-neurotic Woody Allen: You go to a therapist, confess to being in a funk over your bad romantic luck, and your therapist tells you there's a way to fix you up with another person in counseling.
Study of diabetic Canadian group paints a dire picture
In the first study to look at the long-term health consequences of a form of diabetes increasingly seen in children, a Canadian researcher found that the disease is taking a heavy toll when they reach adulthood.
Treatments explored for cancer patients suffering fatigue
With advances in medicine making cancer a disease that many can live with, health-care providers face a new challenge: helping their patients avoid feeling dead tired.
Town tries to take a stand against childhood obesity
As parents, doctors and government officials debate how best to intervene in the epidemic of obesity among American children, a few schools are taking matters into their own hands -- to the dismay of some pediatricians.
Crow Wing County to offer health clinics
The Crow Wing County Health Department will offer public immunization clinics in July. There is a minimal charge for vaccine administration but no one will be denied if unable to pay. A parent or guardian with an immunization record must accompany each child under age 18.
Local brief
IRONTON -- Senate District 4 candidate Stan Nagorski will conduct a fund-raiser dinner to kick off his campaign at 5:30 p.m. July 9 at Gary's Sports Bar in Ironton.
Vets have reason to be proud
Many families throughout the Brainerd lakes area will attend Fourth of July parades and marvel at the fireworks, but some residents find a deeper meaning behind the festivities.
More racing
Look for final results of the superbike races at Brainerd International Raceway in Sports Monday.
How to reach your state lawmakers
Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, District 12A
Pequot Lakes man drowns
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Three men apparently drowned last week on Minnesota lakes, authorities said.
3-year-old recovering from mowing accident
Nearly a month after 3-year-old Cody Dryburgh was run over by a riding lawn mower, he was able to put weight on his injured leg Thursday for the first time.
Whodunit?
Junior Detective Club is one of more than 60 different Summer Adventure classes and activities offered each summer by Brainerd Community Education.
Demgen to seek re-election in Cass county
Cass County Commissioner Jim Demgen, who was first elected in 1988, announced this weekend he'll run for re-election to the Cass County Board in District 1.
Correction
A Page 6A story Friday on the Brainerd School District's new middle school incorrectly listed the owners of property east of the school. Potlatch owns the land.
Toman to challenge Sluss for county board
The first race for a Crow Wing County Board post developed Friday as Karen Toman of Brainerd announced her candidacy for the District 3 seat currently held by Commissioner Terry Sluss.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982) - The biggest single weekend of the year is about to arrive in Brainerd. Thousands of folks are expected here to take part in the activities that is the Johnny Inkslinger Fourth of July Celebration, something for everyone -- from a big parade to fireworks and a rodeo.
Bear search
Brainerd police officer Tom Pfingsten (left) and animal control officer Don Hannahs searched a wooded area near Graydon Avenue and Buffalo Hills for an injured black bear that was spotted Friday morning on the south side of Brainerd. The bear hadn't been found as of Saturday morning. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
Powell upbeat on support for Bush stand on Arafat
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says President Bush may have "jarred some nerves" with his strong stand against Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, but he believes international support for the new policy is solid.
Boeing supplier found liable in lawsuits over 1994 US Airways crash
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A Boeing Co. supplier is mostly to blame for the 1994 crash of a US Airways jet that went into a nosedive and slammed into a hillside, killing 132 people, a jury decided.
Fires cloud Denver's air
DENVER (AP) -- The smoky, brown haze was back, dropping ash like snowflakes. Denverites were coughing again, rubbing their eyes and blowing noses.
Bush hits corporate America
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush, striving to shield himself from public anger over a growing list of accounting scandals, promised Saturday not to let an unethical few in corporate America "tarnish our entire free enterprise system."
Manson follower Van Houten denied parole for 14th time
FRONTERA, Calif. (AP) -- Former Manson disciple Leslie Van Houten was denied release for the 14th time after a parole board concluded she has not shown sufficient remorse for her role in the cult killings that shocked the nation in 1969.
Bush transfers power to Cheney
WASHINGTON -- President Bush transferred the powers of the presidency to Vice President Dick Cheney for more than two hours Saturday while under sedation for a routine colon screening.
Man says he has no knowledge of girl's whereabouts
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A man police say tops their list of potential suspects in the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart said he is being targeted because of his criminal past.
WorldCom begins laying off 17,000
CLINTON, Miss. (AP) -- WorldCom Inc. began laying off 17,000 employees worldwide after disclosing accounting irregularities that could force the nation's No. 2 long-distance company into bankruptcy.
Deal solves Amtrak's budget woes
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Having sealed a deal to solve Amtrak's immediate budget crisis, the Bush administration and leaders of the national passenger railroad now must tackle differences over long-term reforms.
U.S. insists its peacekeepers be exempt from prosecution by new war crimes court
UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The United States stuck to its demand that American peacekeepers be exempt from prosecution by the new international criminal court, putting at risk U.N. peacekeeping operations in Bosnia.
Arizona fire evacuee: 'It's hard to see your dreams go up in smoke'
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (AP) -- Doug and Lana Page spent three years building their dream house -- a log cabin in the pine forest. They only enjoyed one weekend there before a huge wildfire reduced it to ash.
Control of Senate could hinge on any one of eight to 15 states
WASHINGTON -- The battle for control of the Senate is beginning to look like a doozy.
Stamp price now 37 cents
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The post office is delivering a 3-cent increase in the cost of sending a letter.
More airports to get new passenger checkpoints
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pressing for improved airline security, the Bush administration says it will begin overhauling more than 130 airports next month.
The waiting's over: Brazil at last meets Germany
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- It took half a century to happen, but this World Cup final could be worth the wait.
Rookies learn the hard knocks of pros -- even before camp opens
CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) -- Sitting in a ballroom overlooking a gorgeous golf course, 260 rookies hear about the pounding they could take playing in the NFL.
Leslie Mudford
PEQUOT LAKES -- Leslie "Les" Mudford, 83, Pequot Lakes, formerly of Brainerd, died Tuesday, June 25, 2002, at Country Care Homes in Pequot Lakes.
Fredrick Gerhardt
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah -- Fredrick B. Mason Gerhardt, 67, died Thursday, June 13, 2002, at the home of a sister in Utah.
Ron 'Ronnie' Myers
PEQUOT LAKES -- Ron "Ronnie" Myers, 45, Pequot Lakes, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, in Lake County.
Father Thomas Meyer
CUSHING -- Father Thomas Meyer, 73, Cushing, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, at his home.
Mark Young
HOPKINS -- Mark Duane Young, 42, Hopkins, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, of cancer.
OTHER OPINIONS
The failure of many public school systems around the country to offer any semblance of an education to millions of children is not a matter of serious dispute.
Remembering our past
Freedom, the Fourth of July and the Founding Fathers' efforts to create a new nation conceived in liberty will resound with greater measure next week and not just because some fireworks are legal.
Open Forum
Last weekend I met Paul Koering, candidate for state senate, at the Motley fair. I was impressed with his interest in the people and issues of this area. As the only candidate or elected official to visit the fair all three days, he showed his commitment to this area.
Rewards that go beyond catching fish
Many agree that Superior National Forest, home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, is Minnesota's most famous outdoor destination. Wilderness lakes, endless stands of pine and aspen, along with moose, deer and other wildlife make this an exceptional place to visit. Yet fishing may be the single biggest draw to this destination.
Creating a mixed media underwater world
Look closely at the images on this page. Artwork or photography?
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA
Outdoor notes
Lake Shore is offering an advanced bowhunting instructor certification course July 16 at city hall. The class begins at 6 p.m. Phone 963-2148 to sign up or for more information.
Record number of antlerless deer permits to be available this fall
Firearms deer hunters will have access to 80,000 more antlerless permits this season over last season.
Summer wildfires take their toll on young wildlife
Late spring and early summer are the seasons when life renews itself in the wild. Leaves burst from their buds, wildflowers break through the forest floor to carpet it in colors and the blessing of babies award the birds and animals for their courtship ardor.
How to derail a northern freight train
What hits like a freight train and never gives up? Ask Ron Kobes of Nature Vision, makers of Aqua-Vu fish cameras. He's an expert northern pike fishermen and has three over 20 pounds to his credit. His heaviest stretched 45 inches and weighed 21.3 pounds.
40th anniversary
Don and Pat Rogers, Brainerd, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary today. They were married June 30, 1962, in Brainerd.
Wedding planned
Jessica Gustason and Michael Weinhandl announce their engagement. Parents are Craig "DJ" and Tammy Wilson, Staples, and Steven and Tracy Gustason, Brainerd, and Evonne Weinhandl, Staples, and the late Thomas Weinhandl. A July 26 wedding is planned at Sacred Heart Church in Staples.
Wedding planned
Chelsie VanMoer and Josh Tatge announce their engagement. Parents are John and Wendy VanMoer, Brainerd, and Doug and Pat Tatge, Alexandria. An Aug. 16 wedding is planned at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
50th anniversary
Fran and Donna Perlinger, Brainerd, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their seven children and their spouses and 13 grandchildren will celebrate with them in August. They were married June 28, 1952, in Brainerd.
62nd anniversary
Walter and Helen Lord will celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary. They were married July 4, 1940, in Crosby.
40th anniversary
James and Maudre (Miles) Dosh, Fort Ripley, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary today. They were married June 30, 1962, in Brainerd.
50th birthday
Mike Smude will celebrate his 50th birthday with an open house from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday at Jr.'s Junction in Pine Center. The event is hosted by his family. No gifts please.
45th anniversary
David and Beverly Bisek, Brainerd, recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They were married June 29, 1957.
Celt-Clemens
Julie Celt and Dwayne Clemens were married May 28, 2002, at Castaway Island in the Bahamas.
Pederson-Kaikkonen
Tiffani Jade Pederson and Jamie Daryl Kaikkonen were married May 3, 2002, at the Ivy Chapel in Brainerd.
Wedding planned
Jacquelyn Stoll and Kyle Nornberg announce their engagement. Parents are Philip and Joan Stoll, Brainerd, and Ken and Kathy Nornberg, Brainerd. A July 13 wedding is planned at the Assemblies of God Church in Brainerd.
Aguirre-Jordan
Patricia Aguirre and Matthew Jordan were married June 8, 2002, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
50th anniversary
Tom and Marge Keller, Baxter, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd. The event is hosted by their children. They were married July 6, 1952.
60th anniversary
Chet and Bettie Snyder will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married July 3, 1942, in Lakehurst, N.J. A celebration is being planned.
Young racer finds success
The DiSalvo family of Buffalo, N.Y., arrived at Brainerd International Raceway 10 days before the Hitching Post Motorsports AMA Superbike Classic, which started Friday.
Hayden leads the field in Friday qualifying
Nicky Hayden read the infield crowd wrong at Brainerd International Raceway Friday.
People watch rising water in Warroad
WARROAD (AP) -- City officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met Friday to discuss a response to the rising level of Lake of the Woods, which threatens to flood this town on the Canadian border.
Woman charged in baby's death denied knowing she was pregnant
MARSHALL (AP) -- The woman accused of giving birth to a boy and leaving him to die in a grocery store restroom told police she didn't know she was pregnant until she gave birth, according to court records.
Minnesota governor's race scrambled with Penny's entry
ST. PAUL -- When Jesse Ventura huffed his way out of Minnesota's governor's race last week, most assumed the ripples would fade from the state's political waters.
Ventura will donate his campaign funds to Penny
ST. PAUL -- Retiring Gov. Jesse Ventura said Friday he's not only giving Tim Penny his support, he's giving him cold, hard campaign cash.
Holiday week brings crackdown on drunken drivers
ST. PAUL (AP) -- As the July 4th holiday looms, safety officials are preparing an aggressive effort to get drunken and impaired drivers off the road.
Shoo, fly
GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- The DNR office here is getting a lot of calls because there are a lot of flies.
Supreme Court decision could give new life to voucher debate in Minnesota
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The U.S. Supreme Court's approval of a school voucher program in Ohio could revive a debate in Minnesota over whether the state should subsidize parents who send their children to private schools.
Worry about sparklers, not terrorists this Fourth of July
ST. PAUL -- Public safety officials took to the steps of the Capitol on Friday in two news conferences and delivered these messages: Don't worry about terrorists over the Fourth of July holiday. Do worry about sparklers.
Simonson retires after 40 years as state's sports moneyman
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Since the first year the Twins and Vikings arrived in town, hundreds of players and coaches and a handful of owners have come and gone. On Friday, Roger Simonson also went.
Wild contingent travel state meeting fans
Even though it's now summer and the weather is finally feeling more like the hot, sticky Minnesota weather that we all know and love, it's never too early to think about hockey.
Mighty Gulls fall to Honkers
ROCHESTER -- The Rochester Honkers held the Brainerd Mighty Gulls to three hits Friday to eke out a 5-4 win in Northwoods League play.
Baxter Parks/Recreation
MAVERICK BASEBALL
Local sports shorts
Cuyuna Running Track and Field Club members Andrea Borden and Lia Seidl came away with championships at the USATF Minnesota Junior Olympics Outdoor Championships at Hamline University on June 22 and 23.
Brainerd Parks/Recreation
Mens MS1
Area events Saturday
Stock Car Racing
Kennedy named All-American
Brainerd diver Shaun Kennedy has many titles that can be placed by his name. He can be called conference and section champion. He's a three-time Minnesota all-state pick due to his fifth, fourth and third place finishes at the past three state meets.
Santana's arm lifts Twins over Brewers
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- When the Minnesota Twins' entire pitching staff is healthy, they'll have a tough decision to make.
Despite roaring success, eBay struggles to keep die-hard users happy
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Twelve eBay users from around the country have been invited to company headquarters to give the Internet auction site's executives pieces of their minds: Customer service is lousy. The search engine is weak. Pop-up ads are deplorable.
Christmas in July? This may a good time to buy a PC
In October and November, I start getting calls and e-mail asking me what's the best computer to buy, which is natural considering that so many PCs are sold during the Christmas shopping season. But the same thing happens in May and June, and it's hard to say why.
Play offsets ultraviolence
If video games were like the mafia, Grand Theft Auto 3 would be the Godfather.
Sizzling hot
Weather drawing by Natalie Brown in the Baxter School third-grade class of Mrs. Brenny.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Very hot...Especially central and west. Partly cloudy west with isolated thunderstorms in the black hills. Sunny central and east. Highs in the 90s east...And 100 to 110 central and west.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s to low 90s. Cooler near lake michigan.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny...Hot and humid. Highs from the upper 80s to mid 90s.
Minnesota state forecast
Heat advisory this afternoon northwest...
State forecast for north dakota
Heat advisory east today...
Chemical dependency and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Support groups
Victims of clergy abuse
What's doing
Kris Sheehan and Art Tuttle will celebrate their graduation from Brainerd High School with an open house from 1-4 p.m. today at Barrows Town Hall.
Much obliged
Thank you to all those businesses and individuals who supported the golf scramble for area scholarships. The Brainerd branch of American Association of Unive
Soldiers clear live munitions from Afghan border town
SPINBOLDAK, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan soldiers began clearing unexploded bombs and ammunition Saturday after a massive blast at a munitions depot scattered rockets, mortars and bullets throughout this southern Afghan border town. At least 25 people were confirmed dead and dozens hurt.
North and South Korean warships exchange fire, killing four
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- In a blow to Korean reconciliation efforts, a North Korean navy boat sank a Southern patrol boat in the Yellow Sea Saturday, killing at least four South Korean sailors, wounding another 20, and leaving at least one missing.
Israeli army destroys Palestinian compound in Hebron
HEBRON, West Bank (AP) -- With a pair of thunderous nighttime explosions, Israel destroyed the hulking Palestinian municipal and security headquarters in this West Bank city Saturday, but mystery surrounded the fate of 15 armed Palestinians that Israel said were holed up inside.